The Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) will perform “Three By Beethoven” on April 18, 2026. The concert will begin at 7:30 PM in the Bill Heard Theatre at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts.

Music Director and Conductor, George Del Gobbo comments, “Beethoven's Symphony No. 3 "Eroica" is the composition that changed the course of music history. Beethoven takes the symphonic sonata form of the classical period, inherited from Mozart and Haydn, and elevates it to an entirely new level.  Its movements are longer, more emotional, more varied (including a funeral march, a lengthy scherzo, and a grand theme and variations finale.  Originally, he intended to 

dedicate the work to honor Napoleon, but withdrew the dedication when Napoleon proclaimed himself emperor, writing instead ‘to the memory of a great man.’”

The evening opens with Egmont Overture by Ludwig van Beethoven, a dramatic and stirring work inspired by Count Egmont, the heroic figure from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s play. From its dark, brooding opening to its triumphant final chords, the overture captures the spirit of resistance and ultimate victory, setting a powerful and emotionally charged tone for the evening.

Next comes Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37, performed by acclaimed pianist Claire Huangci. Known for her electrifying technique and expressive depth, Huangci brings brilliance and intensity to one of Beethoven’s most dramatic concertos. The work moves from a tense, stormy opening to moments of lyrical beauty before culminating in a dazzling and virtuosic finale, allowing both pianist and orchestra to shine in vibrant dialogue.

After intermission, the orchestra presents Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 55 “Eroica”, a groundbreaking masterpiece that forever changed the scope of the symphony. Bold, expansive, and emotionally profound, the “Eroica” explores themes of heroism, struggle, and triumph on a monumental scale. From its commanding opening chords to its exhilarating finale, the symphony stands as one of Beethoven’s most revolutionary works and a towering achievement in the orchestral repertoire.